Kings GM Sees Potential Hall of Fame Comparison in Undrafted Rookie

Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry believes Dylan Cardwell has the makings of an elite defensive big man.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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After converting undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract, Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry spoke highly of the 24-year-old, even comparing him to Hall of Famer Ben Wallace. Cardwell has emerged as a key contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 5.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 assists while shooting 60.2% from the field.

Why it matters

Cardwell's rapid development as an undrafted player is an inspiring story, and the Kings' belief in his potential as a defensive force could signal a long NBA career ahead. The comparison to Wallace, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, indicates the Kings see Cardwell as a potential franchise cornerstone.

The details

Cardwell signed a two-way contract with the Kings after going undrafted out of Auburn last year. He impressed in a pre-draft workout, and the Kings were the only team to offer him a two-way deal. After a productive start to the season, the Kings converted Cardwell's contract to a standard four-year deal, which he called a "dream come true." While his offensive game still needs work, the Kings are excited about Cardwell's defensive potential, with GM Scott Perry drawing comparisons to Ben Wallace, the Hall of Fame center known for his elite rebounding and shot-blocking.

  • Cardwell signed a two-way contract with the Kings after going undrafted in 2025.
  • The Kings converted Cardwell's contract to a standard four-year deal on Thursday, February 8, 2026.
  • Cardwell is averaging 5.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 assists in 26 appearances this season.

The players

Dylan Cardwell

A 24-year-old rookie forward/center who went undrafted out of Auburn in 2025 but has emerged as a key contributor for the Sacramento Kings this season.

Scott Perry

The general manager of the Sacramento Kings, who spoke highly of Cardwell and compared him to Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.

Ben Wallace

A Hall of Fame center known for his elite rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, whom Kings GM Scott Perry compared Cardwell to.

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What they’re saying

“It is something I've prayed for, for a very long time. There were moments in my life where I was very discouraged. ... I remember my first summer league basketball game where I had zero points and zero rebounds. There were so many trials along the way. My first training camp with Sacramento, I got a DNP in practice. I didn't sub in once; there was no rep for me to get. There were many times where I was very upset and frustrated with the process, but the lord gave me peace through it all and reminded me that he is for me.”

— Dylan Cardwell (Sactown Sports 1140)

“He has got a long way to go as an offensive player, but that is OK. I worked with a guy for years in Detroit, who never was considered "a great offensive player," but he was impactful offensively because you had to block him out -- and that was Ben Wallace -- every time. He was an elite rebounder, led the league in rebounding, and was one of the best shot blockers. His toughness and his energy permeated the roster. I'm not sitting here saying that Dylan is Ben Wallace today, but he is doing some of the things that you like to see from a great defensive big. He is just starting and just scratching the surface, so now it is incumbent upon both us and him to keep getting better.”

— Scott Perry, Sacramento Kings General Manager (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Kings will likely continue to prioritize minutes for Cardwell for the remainder of the season as they look to develop the undrafted rookie.

The takeaway

Cardwell's journey from undrafted free agent to key contributor for the Kings is an inspiring story, and the organization's belief in his defensive potential as a future franchise cornerstone could signal a long NBA career ahead for the 24-year-old.